JAMES GIBSON HART, the subject of this sketch, was born January 2, 1807, on Muddy run, Adams Co., Penn. Looking back from that date, beyond three generations, history holds closed doors to the chronicler of all, or any, of the manners, customs, sayings, doings, facial expressions, or physical build, of that branch of the Hart family who subsequently settled in Somerset township, Washington Co., Penn.; and within that limit, indeed, held open doors only, to deal out material scantily that only the ground timbers of a history have been vouchsafed to future generations. Therefore, very little is known, save that Nathaniel Hart (1), tired of the thraldom and despotic rule of kings and queens, and notwithstanding Columbia was then in her infancy, yet, rocked in the same cradle, was the Goddess of Liberty and Freedom, the vital principles of future America, the very pulse of the young nation, and while at that period there could be no conception of the magnitude of the benefits and blessings that was to be unfolded to a future people, yet he saw with a prophetic eye the glorious privileges of Independence in the land of the free, and said: "Their land shall be my land, their God my God." Consequently, in about 1730, he sailed from fair Scotia's shores to the fairer shores of America. His journey ended when he pitched his tent on Muddy run, Adams Co., Penn. Nothing is further known of his family, except two sons, Nathaniel (2) and Micah. The last named afterward settled near Norwich, Ohio (date not known). In 1769 Nathaniel Hart (2) married Margaret Monteith, and lived on Muddy run, Adams county, Penn. In that home were born four children: David, in 1770; Jane, in 1773; Margaret, in 1782; Mary, in 1785. Of these, Jane married John Kerr, lived and died near Gettysburg, and had four children. Margaret married Nathaniel Paxton, in 1804, and removed to Somerset township, Washington Co., Penn., in 1812. The numerous Paxton families throughout the northern part of Washington county, Penn., and parts of Ohio, are descendants of Nathaniel and Margaret (Hart) Paxton. Mary came with her sister Margaret in 1812, in 18 she married Smith McCollough, of Pigeon Creek. But to return to Nathaniel Hart (2). He died in 1787, on Muddy run, Adams county; his wife, Margaret (Monteith) Hart, died in 1785, leaving the four children, orphans. When David was eleven years of age he assumed the entire management of the homestead, and cared as a father for his three sisters. He married Sarah Paxton (sister of the above-spoken-of Nathaniel), still remaining on Muddy run until the spring of 1807, when he and his estimable wife, feeling the advantages and future welfare of their family demanded removal farther west, sundered the strong ties that bound them to their childhood's home, and when James Gibson, their third child and the subject of this sketch, was seven weeks old, started on their journey, coming through on horseback, and arriving in Somerset township, Washington Co., Penn., about the 1st of April, the floors of their dwelling being all under water the night they arrived. In this home they lived and died. Six children were added to their family after removal to Washington county, making nine by first marriage as follows: Andrew, born in Adams county, in 1803, died in Canonsburg, Washington county, August, 1861; Jane, born in Adams county, 1805, married Henry Newkirk, removed to Ohio, died in 18 ; James Gibson (our subject), born January 2, 1807, the last child born in Adams county; David, the first child born in the new home, in 1809, died in Ashland county, Ohio, March 30, 1872; Maria Hart Fergus, born in 1811, died in Washington January 30, 1888; William, the youngest son by first marriage, born 1819, is still living in the eastern part of Washington county, Penn. (Dates of birth and death of the remaining three of the nine are not known to the writer). But just when youth was buoyant with hope, and life replete with bright promises, death claimed their two sons, John and Paxton, and daughter Sarah. It was then the father was made to feel deeply that "In sorrow's cup flashed bitter wines," and that his "House was left unto him desolate," as about the same time his wife was taken from him, dying in 18 . In 18 he married Mrs. Margery Butler, to whom were born three children: Margaret Hart Kerr, who resides in Monongahela, Penn.; Eliza Hart Hosac, living in Scenery Hill, Penn., and Dunning Hart, the present owner of Lowland Stock Farm, Washington county, Penn. He too was left, as was his father, at the age of sixteen, the care of his mother and two sisters, his father dying October 1, 1852. His second wife, Margery, died January 2, 1871, and, now, after these long years, the writer feels prompted to add a few words to his memory, not to eulogize, but simple unvarnished truths. He was a man of no unordinary intellect, a thorough Bible scholar, his character unimpeachable, distinguished for uprightness and sterling integrity; he had an indomitable will, a characteristic inherited from the Scotch-Irish race, and which has been transmitted all along the line, neither friend nor foe could swerve him from what he considered the line of duty; yet allied to this unyielding will was a keen discriminating judgment, and soundness of decision, generous, gentle and kind, traits that made him a safe counselor and guide, and secured for him the esteem and confidence of an extended community. In short, he was a just man who feared God and wrought righteousness, and was eminently useful in his day and generation, both in the church and in the world. This brings us to James G. Hart, the subject proper of our sketch, who, as before said, became a resident of Washington county, Penn., from Adams county, in the spring of 1807, when he was seven weeks old. He remained in the home nest until eighteen years of age, when self-reliance (the strongly marked trait of his character) asserted itself, and he determined by energy and industry to be self-sustaining, and provide a resting place for old age; consequently he engaged with Robert Moore to learn the trade of carder and fuller. Having finished his trade, he started in business for himself, in West Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn., manufacturing goods of different kinds and grades. He was always awarded the first premium for the extra quality and texture of his broadcloths, and other goods put on exhibition at what was then known as the "Cattle Show," at Washington, now our Agricultural Fair, and he manufactured the first piece of broadcloth ever exhibited at a Washington county fair. In 1831 he married Isabell Moffitt, still living, and following his trade in West Pike Run township until, 1838, he removed to Centreville, a village six miles west of Brownsville, where he engaged in the dry-goods business. His wife Isabell died in 1840, leaving four children, as follows: David Moffitt, their eldest son, with his family resides at this time in Brownsville, Fayette Co., Penn., was married twice; his first wife, Miss Pera Rex; his present wife, Miss Lissa S. Wilgus. Maj. James P. Hart, his second son, married Miss Lide J. Aiken, of Washington, Penn.; was treasurer of Washington county in 1868 and 1869; he with his family reside in Washington, D. C. Lizzie J., the only daughter by this marriage, married Chauncey R. Dever; they, and their only child, James Hart Dever (the first grandchild), are living in Washington, Penn. John T., the youngest child, died while in the army at Cumberland, Md., April 27, 1864. In 1842 he married Margery Gregg, by whom were six children; he pursued the dry-goods business successfully until 1848, when, feeling that the future welfare of his family demanded an extension of his lines, he, when his sixth son, Brit Hart, was seven weeks old (same age as he himself was when he came from Adams county), removed to a farm in West Bethlehem township, one mile from what was then Hillsboro, now Scenery Hill. He took a deep interest in the questions and political issues of the day. His own community ever found him an ardent friend and benefactor to all worthy objects, a strong advocate of education; but his "pet" was the common-school system, and he zealously fed and nurtured its growth and improvement in his county. It was years ago that, when the president of the board of directors (teachers being sent to him to be examined), knowing his unfitness, he with others conceived and agitated the question not only of teachers being examined by a county superintendent, but proposed other measures for the improvement of the system. He eagerly watched its life and growth, and hailed with pleasure the advancement and stage of perfection it had attained in his day. Politically, in the beginning he was an Old-line Whig; in the turning of the wheel a stanch Republican; and was chairman of the first committee that met in Washington, to organize the Republican party. He was, in 1856, elected associate judge, with Jacob Slagle as colleague and was re-elected in 1861 with Robert Dinsmore as colleague. It was due to the suggestions and efforts of Slagle and himself that the barbarous custom of withholding food from jurors, until their decision was given, was done away with; they looked not only upon the cruelty, but the desecration of principle as well. He was a devoted friend to the soldier and his cause, giving aid and comfort when and where he could. But the crowning efforts of his life was in his sacrifices, counsels and life work for his family. In that relation he lived exalted from the unwavering confidence reposed in him by his own children. They knew beyond a doubt that he in all things lived a life that was above a shadow of suspicion. In the dark hours of sorrow and affliction he was their Anchor, and when their Life-boat seemed to be almost engulfed by the grim waves of death dashing against it, and though tempest- tossed himself, yet he was the stay, strength and comfort of his children. He gave to them that restful feeling, that, if "Father is at the helm all will be well" so far as an earthly hand can do. Death came so often, and took from him some loved one. His second wife, Margery, died June 2, 1855, leaving six children. Her youngest child, Ard, died October 1, 1856. Soon the death-cloud that before had darkened the home of his father, David, rose again and settled with sombre gloom over his own home, by taking two sons, Thomas and Samuel, and daughter, Sarah, to the spirit-land, just when life was sweetest, leaving only two surviving children by his second marriage: Hon. Brit Hart, who in December, 1874, married Miss Priscilla D. Lacock, of Scenery Hill, Washington Co., Penn., and who was, in 1884, elected to the Legislature; and sister Annie E., who, in October, 1872, married Thomas Ross (they both with their families now reside in Washington, Penn.). Mrs. Jane B. Hopkins, of Brownsville, Fayette Co., Penn., his third wife, died in March, 1890. In closing this sketch of the life of James G. Hart, no more fitting tribute can be offered to his memory than that "As the father so the son," a Christian firmly adhering to the Calvanistic faith, a man of unblemished character. Firm and unyielding, though not without charity, the promptings of duty always found him sure and steadfast, of sound judgment and decision. After a long lingering illness, which was borne without a murmur, he closed an active and useful life July 5, 1885. The war record of the Hart family, who served in the war waged against secession and slavery is as follows: Two sons of David Hart (2); William, who served in an Ohio regiment; Dunning, his youngest, who served in the One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg. William's two sons, Emmet and Leander, the latter losing his life at Averill's raid. Andrew's son, David, of Canonsburg, a member of Company A, Ringgold Cavalry, was wounded in an engagement at Cedar Springs, Md. James G., two sons: Maj. James P. Hart, of Washington, D. C., captain of Company A, Ringgold's Cavalry, afterward promoted to major, and John T. Hart, member of same company, who died in Cumberland, Md., April 27, 1864. David Hart, Jr., of Savannah, Ohio, was a member of the Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteers.

Text taken from page 166 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed April 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published April 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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